Flotation Device

ABSTRACT

A flotation device for use with a plurality of foam tubes. The flotation device comprises a sheath assembly comprising a first sheath and a second sheath configured to cover a first foam tube and second foam tube respectively. The sheath assembly further comprising a plurality of straps attached to each of the first and second sheaths, and thereby connecting the first and second sheaths. The sheath assembly also comprises a securing member attached to the first and second sheaths to secure a user to the flotation device. Each of the first and second foam tubes and the sheath assembly cooperate to support the user at or near a surface of a body of water.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to flotation devices. More particularly, and without limitation, the disclosed embodiments relate to a flotation device that is configured to convert a plurality of existing elongated flotation members into a flotation device that is comfortable, lightweight, and easily transportable.

Description of Related Prior Art

A flotation devices is an article or item of equipment that, because of its buoyant properties, is designed to support its user in water. Flotation devices are often employed in emergency and recreational settings, but they are not so limited, and are often used in teaching and therapeutic settings for example. One commonly used flotation device is comprised of an elongated, polyethylene foam structure that is shaped as a tube or noodle.

Because it is lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, puncture resistant, and resiliently buoyant, the foam tube has been widely accepted as a recreational toy for use in pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, and the like. Nevertheless, by themselves, foam tubes have limited utility. For example, absent the use of a user's hands, arms, or some other body part, securing the tube to its user is unreasonably difficult and tipping often results. Consequently, one-handed or hands-free use of the foam tube is difficult; if not impossible. And further, the ability to lounge or participate in some other recreational activity, e.g., fishing or paddling, is prohibited because of the foam tube's lack of hands-free utility.

Efforts have been made to overcome this drawback by incorporating the foam tube into other items of equipment in order to make an improved flotation device. For example, there exists foam tube attachments that contemplate positioning a bent foam tube within a housing that is itself attached to a mesh connector, thereby providing a floating chair. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,979; U.S. Pat. No. 5,571,036; U.S. Pat. No. 5,885,123; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,658. During use, such attachments generally place a user's center of gravity below the surface of the water, which enables balancing and reduces the risk of tipping. But maneuverability is limited and, still, the risk of tipping or becoming separated from the attachment persists.

Further, the fact that the mesh seat generally extends along the entire length of the foam tube makes transportation difficult because it cannot be strapped or draped over a user's body, which would otherwise enabling easy, hands-free transport. To the contrary, for transportation, the foam tube must either be removed from its housing so that at the resulting transportation must account for at least two structures, or the attachment remains connected to the tube, in which case a user must attempt to grasp the entire flotation device by hand or employ some other type of carrying device.

Yet further, many prior art flotation devices utilize only one tube. This configuration has the disadvantage of repeatedly bending the foam tube during use so that, consequently, the foam tube suffers from mechanical fatigue. Indeed, mechanical fatigue often results when repeated bending of elastic structures causes the material to lose its elasticity and become brittle such that subsequent bending may result in a failure or a complete breakage.

Also, the use of a single tube provides only nominal buoyancy, and a flotation device with greater buoyancy may be desired for larger users.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure seeks to overcome the abovementioned problems. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments include flotation devices that are simple and inexpensive, and incorporates a plurality of foam tubes so as to allow for balanced, secured use that prevents undesirable tipping. As will be explained, there are several benefits of the embodiments of the flotation device as herein described.

At least one object of the present disclosure is to provide a flotation device for use with a plurality of foam tubes. The flotation device comprises a sheath assembly comprising a first sheath and a second sheath configured to cover a first foam tube and second foam tube respectively. The sheath assembly further comprising a plurality of straps attached to each of the first and second sheaths, and thereby connecting the first and second sheaths. The sheath assembly also comprises a securing member attached to the first and second sheaths to secure a user to the flotation device. Each of the first and second foam tubes and the sheath assembly cooperate to support the user at or near a surface of a body of water.

According to the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure, a resiliently buoyant flotation device is provided that allows for hands-free use and avoids tipping. Another object of the disclosure is to eliminate the risk that a user may become detached from the flotation device, which, in illustrative embodiments, is furthered by the securing member. Advantageously, the securing member increases the utility of the floatation device by allowing use in more turbulent waters, such as, for example, white water rapids or the like.

Further, another object of the disclosure is to prevent a porous outer surface of the foam tube from removing protective layers of lotion and oils by covering the foam tubes with protective sheaths. Also, easy transport results from the plurality of straps as the flotation device can be carried across user's chest and back. Yet further, the use of at least two foam tubes increases buoyancy and avoids the harm that may result from repeated bending.

Yet further, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure utilizes an elongated flotation members that is inflatable. This allows for easy storage and packaging, such that, for example, the entire device can be folded and stored within itself, thereby providing suitable packaging, storage, and transportation. In another embodiment, the elongated flotation members are comprised of a plurality of buoyant flotation members such that the each sheath is filled with a plurality of buoyant flotation members.

Other embodiments of this disclosure are disclosed in the accompanying drawings, description, and claims. Thus, this summary is exemplary only, and is not to be considered restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, and together with the description, illustrate and serve to explain the principles of various exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a user carrying an embodiment of the flotation device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a user seated in an embodiment of the flotation device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a prospective view of an embodiment of the flotation device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of another prospective view of an embodiment of the flotation device of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an enlarged view of the first and second straps and the

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an open end of the first or second sheath.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The claimed subject matter is described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the subject innovation. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. Moreover, it is to be appreciated that the drawings may not be to scale. The words “exemplary” or “illustrative” are used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs.

According to an illustrative embodiment of FIG. 3, a flotation device 10 enabling hands-free, secure buoyancy is provided. The flotation device 10 comprises a plurality of foam tubes 40 and a sheath assembly 20. Preferably, the plurality of foam tubes 40 includes a first foam tube 41 and a second foam tube 42, but the plurality of foam tubes 40 is not so limited. For example, utilizing more than two foam tubes has been contemplated to increase buoyancy.

Each of the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 is made of closed cell polyester foam, the manufacture of which, is well known in the art. Each of the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 comprises an elongated, cylindrical shape. Each of the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 may have a hollow center extending along their respective longitudinal axes, but, optionally, in an embodiment (not shown), each of the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 may be completely solid. Particularly, when application of the flotation device 10 requires more great strength and rigidity from the first and second foam tubes 41, 42. This may be the case when the flotation device 10 is used in white water rapids or the like.

In one embodiment, the sheath assembly 20 comprises a first sheath 21, a second sheath 22, a plurality of straps 30, and a securing member 35. The sheath assembly 20 is removably attached to the first and second foam tubes 41, 42, but, optionally, the sheath assembly may be permanently secured to the first and second foam tubes 41, 42.

The first and second sheaths 21, 22 are made of a tear and puncture resistant polyester or the like that is flexible, but not elastic. This material has the benefit of protecting the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 from suffering damage that may occur when, for example, the flotation device comes into contact with rocks, branches, or debris during use.

The material also improves the frictional engagement between a user and the flotation device and prevents protective layers of oil and lotion from rubbing off of the user. Often times, when participating in outdoor water-related activities, users apply lotions and oils to their bodies to prevent harm that may result from prolonged exposure to solar radiation. When those parts of the body that have a layer of lotion or oil come into contact with the porous outer surface of a closed-cell, polyester foam tube, the protective layer of oil or lotion can rub off, which defeats the intended purpose of its application. Further, oils and lotion may reduce the coefficient of friction between the user and the foam tube, thereby making it more difficult to remain positioned on the flotation device 10. In contrast, use of the abovementioned flexible polyester sheath avoids these problems because it is less abrasive than porous closed cell foam. The first and second sheaths 21, 22 will not remove protective layers or oils and lotions previously applied by the user, and will maintain an adequate coefficient of friction between the user and the sheath so as to prevent slipping or detachment from the flotation device 10.

According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the first and second sheaths 21, 22 are cylindrically shaped, and are dimensioned to fit closely around the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 respectively. In one embodiment, each distal end of the first and second sheaths 21, 22 is open, but only one distal end needs to be open to allow for insertion of a foam tube. A closed distal end (not shown) of the first and second sheaths 21, 22, for example, may have recesses or pockets to receive tools or other useful items, such as a flashlight. Such pockets or recess may also be disposed anywhere along the periphery of the first and second sheaths 21, 22 to further increase the utility of the flotation device 10. Each distal open end has a closing device 25 for optionally opening and closing the first and second sheaths 21, 22. The closing device 25 may include, but is not limited to, any one of the following, well-known, closing mechanisms in keeping with the present disclosure, including a cinch string, a snap-fit connector, zipper, or a hook-and-loop fastener. The first and second sheaths 21, 22 are configured to fully enclose the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 respectively. In this way, the tube is protected against debris and the like and prevents the undesirable removal of protective lotions and oils, as described, supra.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3, the plurality of straps 30 includes a first strap 31, a second strap 32, a third strap 33, and a fourth strap 34. Each of the plurality of straps 30 have distal ends, wherein one distal end is attached to the first sheath 21 and a second distal end is attached to a second sheath 22. In a preferred embodiment, each distal end of the plurality of straps 30 is sewn into the first and second sheaths 21, 22 respectively as depicted in FIG. 5. This configuration provides a secure, permanent connection in keeping with the present disclosure. However, other connecting methods have been contemplated that will allow the distal ends of the straps to be removable from their respective sheaths. The removable configuration provides a replacement feature so that worn straps can be replaced and/or various color combinations of straps may be implemented.

In the illustrative embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the first strap 31 and the second strap 32 are positioned adjacent to one another at a first end 27 of the first and second sheaths 21, 22. The first strap 31 and the second strap 32 are connected to each other by a plurality of bridge members 38. The plurality of bridge members 38 provide stability and strength to an area of the flotation device 10 that receives a seated or reclining user during use. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of bridge members 38 include two bridge members, but more bridge members have been contemplated to further stabilize and strengthen the connection between the first strap 31, the second strap 32, and the first and second sheaths 21, 22. The plurality of bridge members 38 may be sewn into the first strap 31 and the second strap 32 to create a strong connection there between.

The third strap 33 is positioned at a longitudinal midsection 28 of the first and second sheaths 21, 22. During use, the third strap 33 is configured to support a user's back when floating in either an upright seated position, as in FIG. 3, or in a reclining position. The fourth strap 34 is positioned at a second end 29 of the first and second sheaths 21, 22 that is opposite the first end 27. The fourth strap 34 provides additional support and stability to the flotation device 10 by preventing the first and second foam tubes 41, 42 from separating. The fourth strap 34 may also serve as a support for accessories or other add-on devices so as to provide further utility to the flotation device 10.

During use of an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, a user is positioned within a receiving space 36. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the receiving space 36 is defined by the second strap 32; a portion of the first sheath 21 between the second strap 32 and the third strap 33, the third strap 33, and a portion of the second sheath 22 between the third strap 33 and the second strap 32. As will be explained in further detail, infra, the receiving space is configured to receive a user sitting or reclining therein as depicted in FIG. 2. Advantageously, the user sitting within the receiving space may experience the benefit of hands-free floating, thereby allowing the user to engage in other activities such as, for example, fishing, drinking, or paddling. Also note that the same benefit applies during emergency situations where a user is incapacitated and may lack the use of his/her hands.

In one illustrative embodiment of the present disclosure, when seated in the receiving space 36, the user is further secured to the flotation device 10 by the securing member 35. The securing member 35 is attached to the first and second sheaths 21, 22 in between the second strap 32 and the third strap 33. Like each of the plurality of straps 30, distal ends of the securing member 35 are attached (preferably sewn) to the first and second sheaths 21, 22 respectively. The securing member is divided into two portions that are capable of being connected together via a connector 37. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the connector 37 may comprise any suitable connecting apparatus, including, but not limited to, a squeeze clasp, snap-fit connector, hook-and-loop fastener, or the like. The securing member 35 has an adjustable length to account for various sized users.

During use, the securing member 35 is positioned across a front of the user, thereby securing the user to the flotation device 10. This configuration has the benefit of providing a secure, stable flotation device that avoids the undesirable and possibly dangerous issue of a user becoming detached from the flotation device 10. The added security also improves the utility of the flotation device 10 by affording the user an opportunity to float in more turbulent or vigorously flowing waters, such as, for example, white water rapids. Under such conditions, a user remains securely attached to the flotation device 10 and is constantly provided buoyant support, thereby allowing for a broad range of recreational, competitive, and emergency uses.

In the illustrated embodiments, as has been explained, the flotation device 10 is compact and capable of being used as an add-on or attachment feature to existing foam tubes, but it is also contemplated as being made integral with foam tubes. However, in a preferable embodiment, the first and second sheaths 21, 22 are removably attached to the first and second foam tubes 41, 42. In this way, when the sheath assembly 20 is not attached to and enclosing the first and second foam tubes 41, 42, the small foot print made by the sheath assembly 20 allows it to be easily folded and stored when not in use, i.e., when not disposed on a plurality of foam tubes 40.

Another benefit of the flotation device 10 according to the present disclosure is that it is easily transportable. The plurality of straps 30 and the space in between them, including the receiving space 36, can be used to position the flotation device across a user's body, thereby allowing for easy, hands-free transport, as depicted in FIG. 2. That the first and second foam tubes 41, 42, and the sheath assembly 20 are lightweight further enhance the ease of transport.

Yet further, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure does not use the first and second foam tubes 41, 42, but instead utilizes elongated flotation members that are inflatable (not shown). In this way, the flotation device 10 is capable of being easily stored and packed, such that, for example, the entire flotation device 10 can be folded and stored within itself into a detachable cross-sheath (not shown) that extends from the first foam tube 41 to the second foam tube 42 adjacent the fourth strap, or at or near where the user's head is positioned during use. This configuration therefore provides suitable packaging, storage, and transportation. Further, during use, the cross-sheath can be filled with a foam tube to provide rigidity and support to the cross-sheath and the load-affected area. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, in lieu of first and second foam tubes 41, 42, a plurality of buoyant flotation members (not shown), are used to provide buoyancy to the flotation device 10, such as, for example, empty two-liter bottles. Indeed, it is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that so long as sufficient buoyancy is provided, any buoyant member can be inserted into the first and second sheaths 21, 22 in keeping with the present disclosure.

While the foregoing drawings and descriptions set forth functional aspects of the disclosed systems, no particular arrangement of these functional aspects should be inferred from these descriptions unless explicitly stated or otherwise clear from the context. Similarly, it will be appreciated that the various steps identified and described above may be varied, and that the order of steps may be adapted to particular applications of the techniques disclosed herein. All such variations and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. As such, the depiction and/or description of an order for various steps should not be understood to require a particular order of execution for those steps, unless required by a particular application, explicitly stated, or otherwise made clear from the context.

Further, while embodiments of the present disclosure have been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the spirit and scope of the present disclosure is not to be limited by the foregoing examples, but is to be understood in the broadest sense allowable by law. 

1. A flotation device comprising: a first foam tube and a second foam tube; a sheath assembly comprising: a first sheath and a second sheath, wherein the first sheath is configured to cover the first foam tube and the second sheath is configured to cover the second foam tube; a plurality of straps, wherein each of the plurality of straps is attached to the first sheath and the second sheath, thereby connecting the first sheath to the second sheath; a securing member comprising a first strap attached to a first connector and attached to the first sheath and a second strap attached to a second connector and attached to the second sheath, and wherein the securing member is configured to secure a user to the flotation device; and wherein the first foam tube and second foam tube, and the sheath assembly cooperate to support the user at or near a surface of a body of water.
 2. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein the first sheath encloses the first foam tube and the second sheath encloses the second foam tube, and wherein the first sheath is configured to protect the first foam tube and the second sheath is configured to protect the second foam tube.
 3. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein at least one distal end of the first sheath comprises a closing device to secure the first foam tube therein and wherein at least one distal end of the second sheath comprises a closing device to secure the second foam tube therein; and another distal end of each of the first and second sheaths opposite the at least one distal end comprises a recess that is configured to house attachments.
 4. The flotation device of claim 3, wherein the closing device comprises at least one of a cinch string, a snap-fit connector, zipper, or a hook-and-loop fastener.
 5. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein each of the first strap and the second strap of the securing member have an adjustable length, and each of the first and second connectors comprises a squeeze clasp, snap-fit connector, hook- and-loop fastener.
 6. The flotation device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of straps comprises a first strap, a second strap, a third strap, and a fourth strap.
 7. The flotation device of claim 6, wherein the first strap and the second strap are positioned adjacent to one another and positioned at a first end of the first and second sheaths, the third strap is positioned at a longitudinal mid-section of the first and second sheaths; and the fourth strap is positioned at a second end of the first and second sheaths, which is opposite the first end of the first and second sheaths.
 8. The flotation device of claim 7, wherein the securing member is positioned on the first and second sheaths in between the second strap and the third strap.
 9. The flotation device of claim 7, a plurality of bridge members connects the first strap to the second strap, and wherein the plurality of bridge members are configured to stabilize a connection between the first and second straps and the first and second sheaths.
 10. (canceled)
 11. A flotation device comprising: a plurality of flotation members comprising at least a first flotation member and a second flotation member; a sheath assembly comprising: a first sheath and a second sheath, wherein the first sheath is configured to cover the first flotation member and the second sheath is configured to cover the second flotation member; a plurality of straps, wherein each of the plurality of straps is attached to the first sheath and the second sheath, thereby connecting the first sheath to the second sheath; a securing member comprising a first strap attached to a first connector and attached to the first sheath and a second strap attached to a second connector and attached to the second sheath, and wherein the securing member is configured to secure a user to the flotation device; and wherein the first floatation member and the second floatation members, and the sheath assembly cooperate to support the user at or near a surface of a body of water.
 12. The flotation device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of flotation members comprise one of a foam tube, an inflatable member, or a plurality of buoyant members.
 13. The flotation device of claim 11, wherein the first sheath encloses the first flotation member and the second sheath encloses the second flotation member, wherein the first sheath is configured to protect the first floatation member and the second sheath is configured to protect the second flotation member; and wherein at least one distal end of the first sheath comprises a closing device to secure the flotation member therein and wherein at least one distal end of the second sheath comprises a closing device to secure the second floatation member therein; and another distal end of each of the first and second sheaths opposite the at least one distal end comprises a recess that is configured to house attachments.
 14. The flotation device of claim 13, wherein the closing device comprises at least one of a cinch string, a snap-fit connector, zipper, or a hook-and-loop fastener.
 15. The flotation device of claim 11, wherein each of the first strap and the second strap of the securing member have an adjustable length, and each of the first and second connectors comprises a squeeze clasp, snap-fit connector, hook- and-loop fastener.
 16. The flotation device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of straps comprises a first strap, a second strap, a third strap, and a fourth strap.
 17. The flotation device of claim 16, wherein the first strap and the second strap are positioned adjacent to one another and positioned at a first end of the first and second sheaths, the third strap is positioned at a longitudinal mid-section of the first and second sheaths; and the fourth strap is positioned at a second end of the first and second sheaths which is opposite the first end of the first and second sheaths.
 18. The flotation device of claim 17, wherein the securing member is positioned on the first and second sheaths in between the second strap and the third strap.
 19. The flotation device of claim 17, a cross-sheath that extends from the first sheath to the second sheath adjacent the fourth strap; wherein the cross-sheath is detachably attached to the first and second sheaths; and wherein the cross-sheath is configured to receive a third flotation member so as to provide support for user's neck and head during use, and to receive the flotation device when folded for storage and display.
 20. (canceled) 